First off, kuddos to you for deciding to apply. The application can look lengthy and be intimidating, but I promise it’s not nearly as bad as it looks considering the essay prompts are probably things you love discussing (i.e. why you love learning foreign languages). Everyone’s application is extremely unique and my experience with the interview will vary slightly from yours, but I hope these tips still help you. Feel free to message me anytime on here or Facebook for essay reading help, reassurance over the wait, or anything else NSLI-Y related. I really do love reading essays and meeting people through the program, so don’t be a stranger!
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Here are the ones that I can remember:
- Why Arabic? …
- Why do you think NSLI-Y is important? …
- Describe your ideal host family: …
- Besides the language and culture, what are a few things you would want gain from this program? …
- What are your extracurriculars?
{NSLI-Y} Interview Tips!
Evaluators assess applicants level of commitment to language study and intercultural understanding, motivation for language learning, demonstrated cultural awareness, and ability to live and adapt to a new environment. Evaluators do not receive or review candidates’ placement information, medical forms, optional statistical information, or photographs. Parent statements may be included in the materials that evaluators review, but it is not scored.
The selection process begins with a screening to ensure that all applicants meet the basic eligibility requirements. Trained evaluators then review the applications and assess the applicants’ motivation for language learning and demonstrated cultural awareness. Maturity and readiness for a challenging academic and international experience are very important factors. Strong preference is given to applicants who have not previously participated in an overseas exchange program or lived abroad six months or more during the past five years. Preference may also be given to applicants who may not otherwise have the opportunity to study abroad. Please see more eligibility requirements here.
First off, kuddos to you for deciding to apply. The application can look lengthy and be intimidating, but I promise it’s not nearly as bad as it looks considering the essay prompts are probably things you love discussing (i.e. why you love learning foreign languages). Everyone’s application is extremely unique and my experience with the interview will vary slightly from yours, but I hope these tips still help you. Feel free to message me anytime on here or Facebook for essay reading help, reassurance over the wait, or anything else NSLI-Y related. I really do love reading essays and meeting people through the program, so don’t be a stranger!
A: NSLI-Y semi-finalist interviews occur throughout December, January, and the beginning of February. My interview was on January 20 at 11:00 am at NCSSM. The time and place of interviews vary greatly; I’ve heard that some were in churches, at other public buildings, or even in people’s homes. If you ever have an issue with the time or place, feel free contact your interview coordinator.
For Christmas, I received nice business casual attire. For my birthday, January 10th, my dad took me to get a haircut. By this time, just a week or so before the interview, I was feeling mentally and physically prepared. The day of, I, being a notorious running addict, got up early to go out for a run in the cold January morning. Acknowledging the occasion, I ran a solid eight miles because, in Chinese culture, the number eight is considered a lucky number. With rosy cheeks and slightly sweaty skin, I changed into my interview clothing and headed out the door with my dad for our grand adventure.
My interview was to be held at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM), a public residential STEM high school about an hour and a half from my hometown. Driving up to the interview location, my dad asked me a few more interview questions to help ease the butterflies swarming inside. I had brought along an interview portfolio with a fairly informal resume I had created and a small thank you card inside. Neither of these documents were a requirement; the process of creating the resume was more for me to reflect on my personal experiences and consider my goals and accomplishments, and the thank you card was for the interviewer as a means to say thank you to him for taking the time to volunteer.
A: Parents or guardians are definitely allowed to come, but will not be interviewed or invited into the interviewing room. Once again, alumni will likely be in the waiting area and can answer any questions your parents may have. My dad came with me, but I don’t think he hung around in the waiting room the whole time.
Above all else, as cliche as it sounds, be yourself! Run eight miles if you makes you feel lucky. Make thank you cards with hand-drawn pandas and Chinese. Wear a shirt with stars or hearts or stripes. Do whatever puts you at ease and truly expresses who you are (within reason of course).
FAQ
How hard is it to get into Nsli-Y?
How long is Nsli-Y summer program?
